I Was Mistaken for a Saint in a Dark Fantasy

“That's all for today.”

I tapped the desk lightly and closed my research journal.

The blackish-brown failed work stuffed in the disposal bin caught my eye.

Looking at the failed work didn't particularly stress me out.

Don't they say that people grow from failure?

Besides, I'm the protagonist.

All protagonists are meant to feed on failure and grow.

Believing that even this failure would contribute to my growth, I wasn't disheartened by the sight of the rotten eggs.

'Now that I think about it, it's unfair.'

'Other protagonists just snap their fingers and things get made.'

'Why do I have to run around and struggle for years just to make one thing?'

'Waaah. Baby Yulian. Let me freeload.'

"...Cough."

The gushing time is over.

Sometimes, when things get tough, you have to spout some nonsense in your head to endure it.

I checked the temperature of the insulated box one last time.

Then I put on my overcoat and opened the laboratory door.

“Ouch!”

And as soon as the door opened, a cute scream came from the other side.

I had a feeling I knew who it was.

“Eri.”

“Hehe...”

Behind the door.

Eri, who had fallen on her butt, rubbed her forehead with an awkward smile.

“Eri. I recall telling you not to come to the laboratory during this research.”

“Sorry, Teacher. I was just too curious.”

“Don't they say curiosity killed the cat?”

“But I heard the curious cat is the first to get adopted. And wasn't it thanks to my curiosity that I became your assistant?”

“Hmm.”

This child acts so thoughtless, yet sometimes she hits the bullseye.

Following Erika's gaze, there was a small, open window.

I could see a pinhole-sized gap that I had left open for ventilation.

I locked the gap and spoke.

“Right. So, what did the cat see this time?”

At my question, Erika dusted off her bottom, stood up, and her eyes sparkled.

“Oh, right! That was the same spell as that black magician, wasn't it? Does that mean you're a wizard on par with Rank 2?”

She said, flapping her arms.

A pleased smile naturally formed on my face at the sight of her passion for magic.

Is it because I once aspired to be a professor?

I can't help but smile when I see a child burning with academic zeal.

Of course, I'm just a child myself, saying this.

“I'm not quite at that level.”

“Stop being so modest. I saw it clearly. The chant, the catalyst, even the mist that appeared. It was the same magic as that black magician's, just a different color.”

“But the difference in the level of mastery is vast.”

All I could create was a curse just strong enough to cover a single tray of eggs.

And even that, unlike Belgian, was only at a level where I could cast it once a day after reciting the full chant and setting up the optimal environment.

No matter how much of a genius I was, I wasn't good enough to match the level of mastery of a Rank 2 black magician.

The curse I placed on the eggs this time wasn't a particularly special performance either.

It was only a slight improvement on what I showed Erika before, boiling a teapot with a matchstick.

“I've said it many times, but you can't be called a wizard for something like this.”

“Ehh... Then what does that make me?”

“There's no need to be impatient yet, Eri.”

Didn't they say it normally takes three years to get through the magic basics?

You start learning magic at twelve, and only after three years, at fifteen, can you become a proper apprentice wizard.

In doctor's terms, that means you're at the level of an intern.

She shouldn't use me, who got a 3-month clear thanks to protagonist's plot armor and genius plot armor, as a standard.

“Still, I want to try using it sometimes... I've learned exception handling now. And there's that saying, right? That practical experience is a hundred times better than studying.”

Is she talking about 'seeing is believing'?

“I want to start honing my own magic now.”

“Hmm...”

I thought for a moment at her words, then nodded.

“Come to think of it, it's about time for you too.”

“Huh?”

“Yes. It would be good for you to train in casting magic in a controlled environment.”

I recalled the condensed curriculum I went through.

After mastering exception handling in about four days.

I began training to cast magic in a controlled environment with the help of my private tutor.

It was a well-known fact, throughout all ages and places, that practical experience is much more helpful than books.

On top of that, with a training ground in the mansion, there was no reason for me not to do practical training.

“While you're at it, you can also find out which magics you have an aptitude for.”

“Really? So are you going to teach me now, Teacher?”

“No. I can't help you with the practical side.”

Theory, maybe.

But practical application is outside the scope of what I can do.

To create an environment for practical application, one must first have the ability to sense that environment.

Naturally, I, who gave up on being a mage due to a lack of that ability, couldn't possibly create such an environment.

“Then what was that magic you used alone in there? Can't I do it in there too?”

“That place is exclusively for me, so it would be difficult.”

My laboratory is filled with all sorts of magic tools.

Humidity and temperature, and even symbolism.

It was my own personal workshop, built by plastering it with capital.

Naturally, that space was not a suitable place for Erika to learn magic.

“Then what about Teacher Schmidt?”

“He's already overwhelmed just teaching Freya.”

“Then do I have to wait until Freya's class is over?”

“Well...”

But it was a shame to let Erika's talent go to waste.

I was rubbing my chin, contemplating.

“Ah. Come to think of it, there might be a suitable teacher.”

A certain person flashed through my mind.

A wizard who could control the surrounding environment with the help of magic tools.

“There happens to be one person. It would be appropriate to learn from him.”

“Who?”

“You'll find out tomorrow.”

Leaving Eri to tilt her head in confusion.

I thought about the gift I should prepare before meeting that person.

*

Strike while the iron is hot.

Since the next day was the weekend, I decided to meet him right away.

I couldn't go visit him.

Instead, I called him to our mansion through the Head Butler.

Knock, knock, knock.

The door to the annex's reception room was knocked on three times.

“Come in.”

Once the Head Butler's permission was given, the door slowly opened.

The first thing to enter through the crack in the door was the smell of pine resin and oil.

It was a smell that could be called the unique body odor of wizards who mainly handle fire.

The door opened, and a man appeared.

Captain Shen.

It had been a long time since I'd seen him without his gas mask.

“Greetings, Director.”

The scar-covered man crossed the threshold and bowed his head.

After a quick greeting, his gaze swept across the reception room.

It first went to Eri, who was sitting next to me, fidgeting with her leg.

He showed a moment of thought at the appearance of someone new, then his eyes met the Head Butler's.

The moment their eyes met, he lowered his gaze, and finally, his eyes met mine.

Click.

His body seemed to stiffen slightly.

He looked strangely uncomfortable with me.

'Is he still holding onto that?'

Without showing any sign, I gestured to the sofa across from me.

Captain Shen carefully sat down.

Though it was more like he perched on the edge of his seat.

The Head Butler placed a cup of black tea in front of Captain Shen.

Only then did Eri, who was next to me, whisper in my ear.

“Teacher. Is that man going to help with my training?”

“That hasn't been decided yet.”

“Why?”

“He has to accept the request.”

The voices that passed between us were too loud to be called whispers.

I could see Captain Shen was also listening in.

Especially when I mentioned the word 'request,' his shoulder flinched once.

I moistened my lips with tea and got straight to the point.

“Captain Shen.”

“Yes, please speak, Director.”

His reply came out instantly.

It was an attitude that suggested he was ready to receive an order at any moment.

“I'd like to ask you for a favor.”

“...”

“This is a child with a mage's talent, who our family is raising. I would like you to teach this child.”

Captain Shen's eyes widened.

“A-Are you referring to me?”

It was no wonder he was surprised.

A child with the talent of a wizard, being raised directly by a noble family.

A child who might one day create a new noble family.

Becoming such a child's teacher was by no means a light matter.

“Why me, of all people...”

“I couldn't think of a more suitable personnel selection among those around me than you, Captain Shen. Besides, didn't you say you were from the Magic Tower?”

“That is a story from a long time ago.”

“But I believe you are indeed the right person for the job.”

Captain Shen lowered his head.

Silence flowed for a while.

Eventually, he opened his mouth.

“I am not qualified.”

It was the answer I expected.

It has been almost two years since I started working with Captain Shen.

I was aware that this man was strangely uncomfortable around me.

And I had a faint idea why.

“I am one who has betrayed the Young Master once. A person like me cannot possibly take responsibility for someone so precious to you.”

“Young Master.”

Just then, the Head Butler, who had been listening quietly, chimed in.

“I agree. One who has betrayed goodwill once is likely to do so again.”

“...”

“As the Head Butler, I am worried. If it were to happen again this time, how hurt you would be, Young Master...”

“Head Butler.”

I cut the Head Butler off.

And thought for a moment.

To be honest, it wasn't that I didn't understand the Head Butler's concern.

They say you shouldn't take in an ungrateful beast.

However.

“I don't think it's right to deny someone a chance just because they failed once.”

No matter how I thought about it, that was the logic of mortals.

A protagonist must be magnanimous.

As long as he didn't stab me in the back, I could generously forgive him for a few silver coins.

“But, Young Master. This old body will speak presumptuously. One who turns their back after betraying goodwill is bound to repeat the same action. I ask that you reconsider...”

“Then are you saying, Head Butler, that I should not have forgiven my mother?”

The Head Butler's mouth closed.

He would remember.

Before I was accepted as the eldest son of this family.

How Mother Linier had tormented me.

But I accepted my mother.

Simply because I'm the protagonist?

That's part of it, but also because her sincere desire to atone was conveyed to me.

So I trusted my mother, and that choice was the right one.

She genuinely loved me,

and as a result, I was able to secure a foothold in this precarious world.

“Captain Shen must have had his reasons back then. It surely wasn't the first or second time he had been betrayed by a noble.”

I looked at Captain Shen.

His shoulders were trembling.

“But I have disappointed the Young Master once before...”

“Mistakes are originally an opportunity for growth. I don't believe mistakes can be the basis for determining a person's worth.”

People can fail and make mistakes as they live.

Take me, for example. During my time as a resident doctor, I was constantly getting chewed out.

Sometimes I'd panic and act like a screw-up.

Then, after I became more experienced, I would watch my juniors do the same.

But in the end, mistakes couldn't define a person's worth.

In fact, the ones who disappointed me the most often showed remarkable growth later on.

Is it because of that experience?

I felt no need to be disappointed by my own or others' mistakes.

“Captain Shen. So please, don't beat yourself up over that anymore.”

I also turned my head toward the Head Butler.

“You too, Head Butler. I wasn't hurt, so there's no need for you to be angry on my behalf.”

“I apologize, Young Master. It seems I've grown senile. I was presumptuously guessing your feelings.”

“... That's not it. Thank you for worrying about me that much.”

The Head Butler seems to have thought I've been hurt all this time.

Well, it wasn't an entirely wrong assumption.

To be honest, I was a little sulky about it too.

Perhaps that's why, after two whole years, I've finally arranged this moment of forgiveness.

But still.

Considering the devotion Captain Shen has shown for two years, shouldn't it be okay to forgive him now?

Just as I forgave my mother.

“Let's stop talking about the past. I will ask again, Captain Shen. Will you take charge of Eri?”

I clapped my hands to clear the air.

Captain Shen, who had been staring at me dumbfoundedly, soon nodded his head.

“I understand, Young Master. I will be sure to live up to your expectations.”

Captain Shen stood from his seat and bowed deeply.

Seeing this, Erika shot her hand up.

“So when do I start learning?”

“...”

Erika said lightly, nonchalantly crossing her legs on the sofa.

Rather than being unable to read the room, it was more of an effort on her part to clear the air.

Knowing that, Captain Shen wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeve and let out a dry laugh.

“We can start as early as tomorrow, if you wish.”

“Really?!”

Erika clenched both her fists.

“I can finally use magic! By the way, mister, what kind of magic do you use?”

“I use fire.”

“Ooh, fire.”

Erika, clenching her fists, her eyes sparkling.

Seeing her so excited makes me wonder if I should have found her a teacher sooner.

I gently patted Eri's head and habitually put my hand into my overcoat pocket.

'Huh?'

The familiar texture that should have met my fingertips wasn't there.

I furrowed my brow slightly and rummaged through my pocket.

It was empty.

I quickly realized what was missing.

The grimoire of the Old Mage, Fitz.

The old notebook that contained thousands of research records on the combination of holy water and magic.

'Ah. Was today the day the rental period ended?'

I had already finished the transcription, so I didn't feel it was a waste.

I shrugged and turned my attention back to Erika and Captain Shen's conversation.

“So what time should I come tomorrow?”

“I will come to you. Please be at the clinic at 8 AM. I will teach you there.”

“Huh? But you said it was practical training?”

“Before we get to practical application, shouldn't we study safety?”

“Ehhh...”

Erika's expression soured at the word 'study'.

***

At the same time.

The center of Sanctum Hill.

Somewhere in the Imperial Castle, a white-haired old man sat in front of a fireplace, dozing off.

“...Hmm?”

The Old Mage slowly opened his eyes.

An old leather notebook that hadn't been there a moment ago had dropped onto his lap.

It was the very same grimoire that had vanished from Yulian's pocket.

“Hoho. It has returned.”

The Old Mage smiled.

In truth, that grimoire was not a copy.

In the first place, using chantless casting to replicate a grimoire was a magically inefficient act.

When every drop of magical power was precious for his research.

Replicating a notebook on the spot just to look cool in front of a junior was too foolish an act.

So, the Old Mage had added a small lie.

“Now I can get back to my research.”

He picked up the notebook and got to his feet.

That notebook was his original research note.

It simply had a little preservation magic and a function that returned it to its owner's hands after a certain time.

He picked up the returned research note and approached his desk.

Under the magical lamp, he opened the notebook.

“Let's see, what kind of research has our dear Junior been up to?”

And the magic imbued in the notebook wasn't limited to just those two things.

As he turned the pages, he found them densely filled with the writing of all the research Yulian had done so far.

“Good work, Fitz.”

The Old Mage placed three small sugar cubes on the notebook.

Crunch.

When he blinked, the three sugar cubes had vanished.

The Mage turned the pages, examining the contents recorded in the notebook over the past week.

“Hoh... Using eggs. What a peculiar idea. How does he intend to use that curse?”

The experiments of Yulian that the Old Mage looked into were a series of surprises.

It wasn't that there was any special technique.

Rather, in terms of magical technique, it was less than that of an apprentice.

But seeing him repeat meaningless experiments on eggs was enough to spark curiosity about his idea.

“What are you doing this for, Junior.”

In his eyes, Yulian's experiment was not some foolish game of re-proving an already established law.

It was an experiment that began from some novel idea that only geniuses knew, one that was difficult to explain to mortals.

Before long, the notebook was nearing its final page.

Recorded there was a scene the Old Mage hadn't particularly wanted.

“Hoho, I told it to record whenever it sensed mana. As expected of a low-level spirit, it seems it recorded even this without understanding the context.”

It was not about Yulian's experiment, but about his daily conversations.

It was not what the Old Mage had wanted.

He had lent the notebook in the first place, sorry to his junior, only to peek at his ideas.

It wasn't to do something as uncool as spying on his private life.

So, just as he was about to erase those conversations.

[Mistakes are originally an opportunity for growth. I don't believe mistakes can be the basis for determining a person's worth.]

A single sentence caught the Old Mage's eye.

After reading that sentence, a strange light entered the Mage's once-drowsy eyes.

The Mage stroked his chin quietly for a while.

“To affirm mistakes and failures, and to learn from them...”

In the world of mages, failure meant either death or the miserable collapse of a lifetime's research.

A world where many became cripples from mana backflow after a single failure.

On top of that, those who had lived as elites were terrified of failure.

That's why mages feared failure to an extreme degree, tried to control it, and sometimes tried to rise by trampling on the failures of others.

The Old Mage knew this better than anyone.

'That's why I deliberately showed him the failed notes.'

And yet, a mere twelve-year-old noble child was calmly preaching that failure was the very basis for valuable growth.

With his own research records of thousands of failures beside him.

'Hoh...'

This was not an attitude that could be taught.

In the first place, it was unlikely that a young child could have learned such an attitude from anyone.

Is that why?

At least in the Old Mage's eyes, that attitude was an innate talent.

'It seems worth leaving the Imperial Castle for a while, for the first time in a long time.'

A deep arc slowly formed on his wrinkled lips.

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